29: Jason Alford

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creatives on Jackalope Ranch.

From a small town in Oregon (a place where eating local is a way of life, not a culinary trend) to the Valley of the Sun comes chef Jason Alford, the mastermind at one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States according to Bon Appetit: Roka Akor. Behind the flaming robata grill you'll find Alford turning out creative renditions of traditional Japanese favorites and omakase menus to rival the best. Alford earned his chops under Scottsdale kitchen legend, Anton Brunbauer and has been minding the flames at Roka Akor since the restaurant opened in 2008.

I arrived in Phoenix with... all my belongings in one arm....and a phone number for a job.

If I was sitting down to dinner for six, my five dream dining companions would be... first and foremost, father and grandfather - both huge influences regarding my craft and education - and Junior Kimbrough, a blues guitarist and underrated for his time. Not the most prolific player but his style of play is almost hypnotizing. Then of course, Bourdain, for reasons I think every chef knows. To round it out George Carlin...I'm eating well, laughing my ass off, drinking heavily, laughing more and listening to some amazing blues....I think there is only one other thing I am missing to make life complete.

One place everyone who comes to Phoenix must eat is...Petite Maison. Consistency, food and service it's always stellar. Hats off to John and Dustin for the best service in the valley.

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One menu item this city could do without is... over-processed 'food'. Enter an open kitchen, not only do you get interaction on a nightly basis with your guests, when they ask you where you eat, you get to refer them to the best restaurants in the Valley. Everyone in the industry here knows what everyone else is serving.... If I put my name out there I'm going to send them to the right place. Citizen, FnB, Nobou, Christopher's, Petite, The Parlor...it's all about education, right? Positive thing is, I like to think the list of great independent restaurants is growing.

My last meal in Phoenix would be... in my backyard, BBQ roaring. German, Mark, Cebian, Justin, Bret, EJ, White Guy, Ko-San and, of course, Porch. A good old fashion chef party where we over-serve and overeat, and B.S. until the sun comes up.